As the dust finally settles on the manic world of returning to work after a small hiatus, my thoughts return to the Blog. I have been asked on many occasions where I get inspiration from when writing such ‘out there’ and ‘interesting’ articles (which I take with compliment). The truth is a lot of my inspiration comes from talking to Walsall landlords and Walsall property owners.

Approximately a fortnight ago I was talking to a professional landlord who has an extensive portfolio up and down the country including a few in Walsall. We got talking about Housing Law and all the regulations/ legislation that landlords need to adhere to.

Did you know, there are over 125 individual acts of legislation that landlords must adhere to if they’re to remain on the right side of the law? Most landlords can’t name the specific acts but know and understand the basics, which are:

Tenancy deposit protection

Annual gas safety inspections

Energy Performance Certificates

Smoke alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms, and;

Serving of prescribed information

But, can you name the acts these rules come from? Can you name the recent legislation that demands an energy efficiency assessment be ordered before the property to marketed to let and a valid EPC in place within 7 days and where reasonable to do so, this can be extended up to 21 days. This is detailed in the act The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

What about the relevant act that gives tenants the powers to report poor housing conditions? This is covered by Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. It is this act that obliges tenants to keep the property in a “tenant-like manner”. Later acts gave tenants the right to complain without fear of revenge evictions making it a criminal offence to evict a tenant who requests “too many” repairs.

More legislation is working its way through parliament, being written into law, including the upcoming tenant fee ban, deposit cap and potential three-year minimum tenancies!!

Now, more than ever, landlords should give strong consideration to letting their property and managing it themselves. With more than 125.. and counting.. acts of legislation that landlords must be aware of and adhere to, it is no wonder that we regularly see Walsall landlords and Walsall Letting Agents regularly falling short of fulfilling their obligations.

A family home with a spacious garden at the rear and a curtilage at the front of the property, which could be used for off-road parking. All three bedrooms are double sized, with the smallest bedroom having some form of storage space.

Carrying on from my last BTL deal, here’s another that could potentially be a fine investment opportunity. Well, disappointingly only one photo present, so get on the blower and make an appointment for a viewing!

Keeping a blog updated can be an exhausting affair and the last time I took a break was August 2017 so, I’ve decided to take a well earned rest!! I hope to return to the blog towards the end of November 2018.

In the meantime, why not visit these property related websites to hone your property investor acumen?

http://www.landlordlaw.co.uk/ – This is a great resource of useful information, especially on legal issues and Tessa Shepperson’s Blog has some golden nuggets…

www.periodproperty.co.uk is, as you can imagine, the place to find a thatched, listed or historic home, while www.propertyauctions.com lists dates and reserve prices on upcoming auctions plus tips for those bidding for the first time (great resource if you are seeking a fixer-upper.

Think you can’t afford to buy a property just yet? How about buying as a co-sharer with a friend or family? Visit www.ourproperty.co.uk to learn more about turning this possibility into reality.

Whilst I’m away if there is anything you would like me to pick up on/ discuss/ write about upon my return please send me an email or message me via any of my social media sites. Take care and wish me happy holidays…

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Meet the Author

Salek Miah

Hi and thank you for visiting this blog. I have been involved in the Walsall Property Market since 1999, owning and then running my own property management company since 2005.

I have always shared my thoughts on the local property market in Walsall with my landlords, but now I want to share with everyone in the town including many outside of the area who have an interest.

On this blog I will talk about what is happening in the town’s property market itself, even looking at specific streets or housing estates. At other times I will post what I consider decent buy to let deals. As I am not involved in sales my loyalty is not divided. I can look at the whole of market and give you, independent and impartial advice on what I consider the best investment opportunities.